Mike Pettine: 'Joe Haden's contest with AJ Green will decide game'

Cleveland Browns head coach Mike Pettine believes that the contest between cornerback Joe Haden and wide receiver AJ Green will decide his side's AFC North match against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Browns are in dire need of a victory to keep themselves in the playoff hunt, and Pettine feels that the battle between the duo, who have clashed often in the past, will define how his side fare on Sunday.

"To me it's going to determine how the game goes," he told reporters.

"It's no secret that we are going to put [Haden] on AJ a good amount during the game and that very well could determine it because I know they are not going to shy away from throwing the ball to their best receiver."

Quarterback Johnny Manziel will make his first NFL start for the Browns in the matchup.